Rodney R. Holmes

CHERRY VALLEY – Rodney R. Holmes, 57, Cherry Valley, died Friday morning, Sept. 30, 2016, at his residence, with family by his side.

He was born Aug. 14, 1959, in Warren, the son of the late Ray D. and Betty J. Anderson Holmes.

Rodney was a graduate of Malone College with a B. A. in mathematics. He also pitched four years for the Pioneers.

Rodney began his career in the Bristol Schools and was employed the past 33 years in the Jefferson Area Local School System, teaching math and was the varsity girls basketball coach. He was known by many as “The Legend” in the girls basketball coaching ranks. He retired in 2014.

Rodney was former Jefferson Area Teachers Association president and was the JAHS math liaison. He was a member of the retirees of the Ohio Education Association.

Rodney’s greatest pride was in his children’s accomplishments; his son, Raymond, became a pharmacist and his daughter, Katie, receive a bachelor’s degree in journalism / communications and was a college softball catcher.

His enjoyments were gardening and mowing the grass. He loved watching ESPN, “Mike & Mike,” “American Pickers.” the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Steelers.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Irvin and Helen Anderson and Edwin and Margaret Holmes.

The family would like to extend a special appreciation and thank you to Tridia Hospice for their care and support to Rodney and the family through this difficult time.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Cherry Valley United Methodist Church, 3353 U.S. Route 6, Andover (Cherry Valley Township), with the pastor, the Rev. John Germaine, officiating. Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church.

Burial will be in Cherry Valley Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family, in care of Denise Holmes, The Colon Cancer Alliance, 1025 Vermont Ave. NW, Suite 1066, Washington, D.C., 20005, or Tridia Hospice, 1933 state Route 45, Austinburg, OH 44010. Envelopes will be at the church.

The Jefferson Home of Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors and Crematory, 49 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson is in charge of arrangements. Visit fleming-billman.com to view full obituary, express condolence, light a candle or send a flower.